From the moment the first person bolted an internal combustion engine into a spindly device they dubbed the motor car, enthusiasts have sought to extract improved performance from their vehicles. Some searched for additional power, while others strived to reduce weight. The owner of this 1929 Ford Model A Speedster adopted aspects of both philosophies to create a unique and user-friendly piece of machinery. However, all things must end, leading them to list it here on Craigslist in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The price is an affordable $6,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for consistently spotting hidden gems.

This Speedster is not some pristine trailer queen. It is a car that wears no paint, with its panels carrying a consistent coating of surface corrosion. That is part of its charm because it provides the vehicle with an enormous sense of character. It appears the only paint is on the wire wheels, providing a striking contrast to the rest of the exterior. The frame looks solid, and although there’s corrosion, the minimalist body panels show no evidence of penetrating rust. Glass is limited to a pair of small windshields, while a wooden trunk and twin leather side bags provide luggage accommodation. The plated radiator surround, headlamp housings, and taillights sparkle nicely, while the side exhaust seems fitting on a vehicle of this type.

The seller provides no close-up engine photos but furnishes plenty of information on its mechanical specifications. The engine bay houses a 201ci flathead four that would have originally sent 40hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The Model A provided a significant performance increase compared to its predecessor. While the Model T could reach 42mph, the Model A left it eating dust as it hit 65mph. The 201 under the hood of this Speedster should improve on that courtesy of cast iron exhaust headers, an upgraded distributor, an electric fuel pump, and a 32/36 Weber carburetor on an aluminum intake. The seller also kept one eye on making this creation more user-friendly by replacing the original three-speed transmission with a modern five-speed T-5 unit. It should improve the driving experience while providing better high-speed cruising. For those who crave originality, they include most of the removed parts that the buyer could choose to reinstall. It is a turnkey classic, and the seller states it handles the local hills easily.

If someone blindfolded you, sat you in this old Ford, and removed the blindfold, there’s no chance you will confuse this Speedster’s interior with that of a Lincoln Continental. It represents motoring at its most basic. There’s no air conditioning, stereo, or power seats, and the lack of glass means power windows were never a consideration! Occupants receive cloth seat upholstery, a timber dash with a couple of gauges, and an enormous shifter for the five-speed. The buyer could elect to refinish the dash timber, but leaving the interior as-is allows it to remain in character with the rest of the vehicle. If I found this Ford in my garage, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The dictionary defines a fair-weather friend as an individual who cannot be relied upon in times of difficulty. This 1929 Ford Model A Speedster doesn’t meet that definition, although its lack of weather protection means it would be at its best on sunny days. On such days, it would shine, providing a relaxed and enjoyable classic driving experience. Some cars can be ruinously expensive, requiring deep commitment for a buyer to hand over their hard-earned cash. Although it is unsuited to a family, this Speedster is an ideal alternative for someone seeking an affordable two-seater. That’s why I believe it will find a new home pretty quickly.